Arnold Adams (born July 9, 1985) is an American mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer. He currently competes in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is the inaugural and a two-time BKFC Heavyweight Champion. As of July 10, 2026, he is #5 in the BKFC Heavyweight rankings.
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Mixed martial arts career
Adams started his professional MMA career in 2008 and competed until 2016. Throughout his career, he compiled a 7-10 professional record.
Bare-knuckle boxing career
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
In his BKFC debut Adams faced DJ Linderman in the Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Finals, at the inaugural Bare Knuckle FC BKFC 1 event held on June 2, 2018. He won the bout via unanimous decision.
Heading into the semi-final, Adams faced Joey Beltran at BKFC 2 on August 25, 2018. He won the fight by fourth-round technical knockout. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Adams faced Sam Shewmaker in the heavyweight tournament final, at BKFC 3 on October 20, 2018. He won the bout via split decision to become the first BKFC heavyweight champion and Police Gazette Heavyweight American Champion.
In his first title defense, Adams faced Chase Sherman at BKFC 7 on August 10, 2019. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Adams faced Bobo O'Bannon at BKFC 16 on March 19, 2021. He won the fight via first-round knockout. This fight earned him the Knockout of the Night award.
Adams faced Mick Terrill at BKFC 19 on July 23, 2021. He won the bout via third-round knockout.
Adams faced defending BKFC World Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran in a rematch on November 6, 2021, at BKFC Fight Night 3. He won the bout by unanimous decision, thus becoming BKFC Heavyweight Champion once again.
Adams faced Dillon Cleckler on May 6, 2022, at BKFC 25. He won the bout by knockout in the second round to defend the title. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.
Adams faced Alan Belcher at BKFC 36 on February 24, 2023. He lost the title via third-round knockout.
Adams faced Mick Terrill in a rematch for the vacant BKFC Heavyweight Championship on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56. He lost the bout by fourth-round knockout.
Adams faced Leonardo Perdomo in the main event on July 12, 2025 at BKFC 78. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.
Adams faced Leonardo Perdomo in a rematch on September 12, 2025 in the main event at BKFC 80. He lost the fight again by knockout in the first round.
Adams faced Steve Banks on June 26, 2026 at BKFC Fight Night 41. He won the fight by knockout in the second round.
Championships and accomplishments
Bare-knuckle boxing
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
BKFC Heavyweight World Champion (Two times; inaugural)
Police Gazette Heavyweight American Champion (One time)
Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Joey Beltran 2
Knockout of the Night (Two times) vs. Bobo O'Bannon and Dillon Cleckler
Mixed martial arts
Hoosier Fight Club
Hoosier FC Heavyweight Championship (One time)
Fight Club OC
FCOC Super Heavyweight Championship (One time)